Festivals
Ridin’ Starts Is On The Hunt For The Next Country Star
Calling all emerging country music talent across Australia! Ridin’ Hearts is on the hunt for some of the country’s most promising undiscovered artists, ready to make their mark on the music industry.
Introducing Ridin’ Starts, an artist-first initiative designed to support local talent by opening doors and connecting them with some of the country’s most influential music experts, providing invaluable insights, advice and knowledge, along with a host of money-can’t-buy experiences.
Ridin’ Starts aims to prepare the future stars of Australian country music with all the knowledge and the tools to succeed in one of the fasting-growing genres in the world.
With an incredible prize package on offer, one lucky emerging star will win a 20-minute set on the Lone Spur Tent at Ridin’ Hearts 2024, one-on-one meetings with industry leaders like Michael Chugg (Chugg Entertainment & Chugg Music), artist Casey Barnes, songwriter Lindsay Rimes, Natalie Waller (ABC Music) and more, design a custom merch piece with Love Police and walk away with professional press shots, a content package capturing their festival experience and a tour pass to see some of the biggest names in country music live. Plus travel and accommodation provided thanks to APRA AMCOS!
To enter, artists will need to upload a video of themselves performing an original song to Facebook or Instagram, tag Ridin’ Hearts Festival, then visit the Competition Page at ridinhearts.com and complete all details in the entry form.
Entries are now open and close Friday 11 October at 5:00pm AEDT. Five finalists will be chosen and announced via the Ridin’ Hearts and Frontier Touring social media pages before the winner is announced following a selection process held by an expert panel of judges.
Ridin Starts Prize Package:
- 20 minute set on the Lone Spur Tent at Ridin’ Hearts 2024
This is your moment to shine in front of an audience of country music lovers, industry professionals, and potential new fans.
- One-on-one meetings with Industry Leaders:
– Michael Chugg: Get the rare opportunity to sit down with Michael Chugg, a titan of the Australian music industry. As one of the most successful concert promoters and managers in Australia, Chugg has worked with some of the biggest names in music, shaping iconic careers and events. Learn from his vast experience on how to build and sustain a successful career in the ever-evolving music world. Gain insider knowledge on touring, live performances, and the critical steps to standing out in a competitive industry.
-Casey Barnes: Meet with a chart-topping country artist and learn from his journey through the music scene. Discuss everything from songwriting and recording to live performances and fan engagement.
-Lindsay Rimes: Connect with renowned songwriter and producer whose impressive credits include working with artists like Kane Brown (“Lose It”), Thomas Rhett (“Look What God Gave Her”), and Luke Bryan (“Knockin’ Boots”). Dive into the art of crafting hit songs and learn how to make your mark as an artist in a competitive industry. Gain insights into the songwriting process, production techniques, and how to create music that resonates with both fans and industry professionals.
-Natalie Waller: Meet with a leading authority in the Australian music industry, including her roles as Head of ABC Music, Chair of the Australian Recording Industry Association board (ARIA), and director on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA). Chairing the CMA Australian Task Force, Natalie offers expert insights into artist development and the dynamic music landscape. Learn how to leverage media and events to elevate your career both locally and internationally from one of the most influential figures in Australian country music.
-Universal Music Australia: A one hour mentor session with Ben Martin (A&R) and Darryl Bailey (PR) from Universal Music.
-Jacqui Elmas: Sit down with an experienced entertainment lawyer with over 30 years in the business, who has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world. She understands the complexities of the music industry and can guide you on navigating contracts, protecting your intellectual property, and understanding the legal aspects of your music career. This is your chance to learn how to safeguard your creative work and make informed decisions that will shape your future in the industry.
-Ridin’ Hearts Publicity and Marketing Team: Meet the experts behind the festival’s branding and marketing success. Learn how to build your brand, grow your audience and effectively market your music in today’s landscape.
- $500 merchandise voucher with Love Police
Work with Brian ‘BT’ Taranto, founder of Love Police ATM. Known for their high-quality and artist-driven merchandise designs, to create a custom piece of merch that represents you and your music.
- Content package from the festival
Capture your festival experience with a professional content package, including high-quality video footage and photos of your performance.
- Professional press shots
These photos will be taken by a photographer at the festival, giving you polished images that can be used for media, album covers, and more
- Tour Pass
2 x tickets to 5 Country Music Concerts promoted by Frontier Touring (subject to availability) in your capital city.
Head to ridinhearts.com for more information about how to enter, and to be in with the chance to kickstart your country music career.
The Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards lit up Tamworth last night, celebrating the very best in Australian country music. With 17 categories recognizing work from October 2023 to September 2024, the evening was filled with historic wins and unforgettable performances.
Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the night, taking home five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Toyota Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Some Days.” His total tally of Golden Guitars now stands at an incredible 45, cementing his place as Australia’s most decorated country artist.
Global country superstar Keith Urban added a new accolade to his collection with the prestigious Roll of Renown induction and Top Selling Australian Country Album for HIGH. Reflecting on his journey from Peel Street to global stardom, Urban described the honour as a dream come true.
Max Jackson, last year’s New Talent of the Year, added two more awards to her name, including Female Artist of the Year, while delivering a stunning performance of her winning single, “A Little More Country.”
Local favourite Ashleigh Dallas celebrated another win with Setting Suns crowned Traditional Country Album of the Year, and Casey Barnes’ upbeat album Mayday secured Contemporary Country Album of the Year.
Collaborations shone brightly as The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell’s “Beer in a Bar” earned Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Meanwhile, bluegrass queen Kristy Cox picked up her seventh Golden Guitar for Let It Burn.
Emerging talent also took centre stage. Lane Pittman, currently on tour with Luke Combs, was named New Talent of the Year, marking an exciting chapter for the former Tamworth local.
The night reflected the heart and talent of country music in Australia, wrapping up one of the busiest and most vibrant festival’s in recent memory.
Rising country music star Felicity Kircher has been named the 45th Toyota Star Maker, following an electrifying Grand Final at the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival. Representing Tingalpa, Queensland, Kircher captivated the audience with heartfelt performances of her original songs Dear Rose and Ultimatum, securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists.
Kircher, a seasoned performer and multi-instrumentalist, has spent over a decade honing her craft on stages across Australia. From touring with Kasey Chambers to standout appearances at festivals like Gympie Muster and Savannah in the Round, she has solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in contemporary country music. Her recent single, I Am Cry, has been making waves on radio and streaming platforms, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
The competition, held at Toyota Park, featured 10 finalists backed by the renowned Sam Hawksley Allstar Band. Each delivered two songs, but it was Kircher’s unique voice, stage presence, and artistic depth that won over the judges.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown praised Kircher’s readiness to embrace the next phase of her career: “Felicity is an inspiring artist who continues to test musical boundaries. We are excited to see her flourish with the support of the Star Maker program.”
As the Toyota Star Maker winner, Kircher receives a prize package worth over $100,000, including 12 months’ use of a Toyota vehicle, fuel cards, and recording opportunities. The Star Maker program has a legacy of propelling its winners into the spotlight, and Kircher’s victory promises an exciting future for the young artist.
Congratulations to Felicity Kircher on this remarkable achievement!
Australian country music sensation Keith Urban has clinched the prestigious Golden Guitar Award for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year with his latest album, High. Released on September 20, 2024, the album has captivated fans across Australia and beyond, solidifying Urban’s legacy as a powerhouse in country music.
High, Urban’s 11th studio album, features 11 tracks, including chart-topping hits like “Messed Up As Me” and “Chuck Taylors,” as well as a memorable duet with Lainey Wilson on “Go Home W U.” The album has enjoyed 16 weeks in the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart, holding the coveted #1 spot as of January 13, 2025.
Announced ahead of the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards, the recognition is based on ARIA chart data and award eligibility criteria, honoring High as the top-selling Australian country album for the calendar year 2024.
The other standout albums rounding out the top five include Troy Cassar-Daley’s Between The Fires, Kasey Chambers’ Backbone, Casey Barnes’ Mayday, and Lily Grace’s Old Enough to Know Better.
Peter Ross, Executive Producer of the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, praised Urban’s accomplishment: “High is an incredibly versatile album showcasing Keith Urban’s exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician.”
The 53rd Golden Guitar Awards will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest country music event in the Southern Hemisphere. Fans can join the celebration live at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre or via the festival’s online livestream.
Stay updated on the festival and awards via www.tcmf.com.au and official social media channels.
Golden Night in Tamworth: Winners Announced for 53rd Golden Guitar Awards
Felicity Kircher Crowned Toyota Star Maker 2025
